Is it safe for everyone to fast?

Today it has become fashionable to practice fasting days, to go on diets, to resort to fasting for different periods. But fashion is a cruel thing, it does not have an individual approach to everyone, when the characteristics of the human body, its constitution, the presence of diseases, etc. are taken into account. It is not surprising that the attempts of many people to pay tribute to fashion and refuse food for several days ended in vain, and sometimes even pitifully.

The thing is that even with the right approach to fasting, which we will talk about a little later, you need to consider your health first. What will not harm a healthy person can kill a sick or very weakened person.

But what about the idea of fasting treatment? Such a theory exists, and it has been confirmed in practice many times. Fasting can cure many disorders in the body, but not all. Just as there are no universal medicines, there is no fasting method that would be effective and safe in all cases. If therapeutic fasting has certain indications (nowhere is it said that fasting cures everything), it is quite logical that there are also specific contraindications. It is precisely these diseases and conditions that are a common cause of complications during fasting, early breakdowns, and in some cases, death.

It is important to understand that there are health problems in which fasting can be truly fatal. These are the cases when treatment has not just a negative, but an opposite (undesirable) effect. Such pathologies are called absolute contraindications to therapeutic or any other fasting.

In what cases do doctors strictly prohibit refusing food:

• for any oncological diseases: malignant tumors, blood cancer, etc., despite information about multiple miraculous healings (doctors do not believe that this is the result of the healing effect of fasting),
• tuberculosis of the lungs or other organs in an active form (it is believed that this infection cannot be defeated by hunger, but it is quite possible to harm a weakened organism),
• hyperthyroidism and the resulting thyrotoxicosis (concerns that the excretory system simply cannot cope with such a quantity of toxins; by the way, many doctors insist that fasting can be dangerous for other endocrine diseases as well),
• inflammation of the liver (hepatitis) in acute and chronic form, cirrhosis of the liver, liver failure, i.e. any severe diseases of the organ, the consequences of which remain for life,
• acute and chronic renal failure,
• insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus, i.e. the rarer type 1 diabetes (there is no consensus on this issue yet, some naturopaths are inclined to believe that this disease can also be cured by choosing the appropriate method),
• purulent-destructive processes in the body regardless of localization, severe decompensated inflammation (grade 3),
• decompensated cardiac or pulmonary failure (grade 3, although some doctors do not undertake to treat a fasting person even with grade 2),
• the patient's weight is too low given his height and age (body mass index less than 19 kg per square meter of area),
• vascular diseases characterized by the formation of blood clots (thrombophlebitis, phlebothrombosis)

Many doctors also consider persistent, pronounced disturbances of the heart rhythm and conduction (arrhythmia, heart block, myocardial infarction) to be absolute contraindications. Others believe that these are rather relative contraindications, in which fasting is possible after certain medication or surgical treatment.

According to experts, it is extremely dangerous to fast if the diagnosis has not been established precisely, and also if the disease has an uncertain etiology and the mechanism of its development is unknown.

It is considered that fasting is also unsafe for elderly people (over 70 years old). But it is difficult to be specific here. Many naturopaths fasted almost until their last day, despite the fact that they lived much more than 70 years. Most likely, it is a matter of practice and the effects of fasting. If a person's body is accustomed to regular courses of health fasting, then they will not be an excessive burden for him at any age, especially if he feels normal. In addition, when we exit fasting, we have rejuvenation of the body's cells, so the age in the passport is not an indicator.

An absolute contraindication to any type of fasting is pregnancy, which is quite logical. During this period, a woman, on the contrary, should eat well so that the small organism inside her can fully develop. If the expectant mother begins to fast, then even her body may not be able to withstand it, not to mention the fact that the development of the fetus will most likely simply stop. In addition, it is unknown what the reaction of the woman's immune system will be, whether she will perceive the child as something foreign and will not begin an active fight against it, as happens with a Rh conflict.

The expectant mother needs to take care of her health in advance. Another thing is that pregnant women often have problems with the digestive organs, when a one-day fast to unload the gastrointestinal tract, as prescribed by a doctor, is unlikely to cause serious harm to the woman and her baby, but may well restore the normal functioning of the gastrointestinal tract.

Thus, pregnancy and lactation should be considered as a relative contraindication. Firstly, this phenomenon is temporary, and secondly, short-term hunger in such a state is quite acceptable.

So, we have come to the point that there are a number of contraindications, in which fasting is permissible, but at the same time one must be very careful in choosing the methods and time of fasting. Such contraindications are called relative. They include:

• VSD of the hypotonic type, occurring against the background of a decrease in blood pressure (given that hypertension and VSD of the hypertonic type are quite amenable to correction by fasting),
• cholelithiasis in an active form, when bile has a tendency to form stones (dry fasting is dangerous),
• kidney and bladder stones (dry fasting is dangerous, and in case of wet fasting, a doctor's supervision is required),
• exacerbation of gastric ulcer and duodenal ulcer (in the acute stage, fasting is not performed due to the risk of increased acidity of the gastrointestinal tract and a high risk of perforation of the organ wall),
• varicose veins,
• iron deficiency anemia,
• gout
• childhood

Some doctors also include type 2 diabetes in this list, but due to the fact that the number of positive results in the treatment of this pathology by fasting is growing, it is quite possible that this point will soon disappear from the list of contraindications. Especially considering that a few years ago the list had more impressive dimensions.

So, is it okay for children to go hungry?

As for small patients, many traditional medicine doctors agree that therapeutic fasting should not be used on children. However, this does not prevent them from giving advice not to force-feed children during infectious diseases, citing the fact that the child's body itself understands what it needs.

Alternative doctors are more loyal in this matter. They believe that even a baby can fast. Such babies often refuse to take the breast during illness, so there is no point in forcing them. Fasting for 24 hours will not harm the baby, but it can help to overcome the disease faster. Forced feeding, as well as forced fasting, in no way contribute to improving health.

Up to 13-14 years old, a child can fast for several days without irreversible consequences. But naturopaths recommend adhering to the scheme: the number of days of fasting should correspond to the number of years in the child's birth certificate. It is clear that we are not talking about maintaining a figure, but about giving up food for medicinal purposes, while limiting the child's water intake is not worth it.

Dry short-term planned fasting is allowed no earlier than 14 years. But in any case, treatment of children with fasting should be carried out under the supervision of a doctor, especially if you have to fast for more than 1-2 days. It is best to undergo therapeutic fasting in clinics and sanatoriums, where the child will be under the supervision of specialists around the clock, and there are all the conditions for monitoring the functioning of the baby's body systems.

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How dangerous is fasting?

Contraindications include not only those pathologies in which doctors are not confident of a favorable outcome, but also those when one can talk about the harm of therapeutic fasting. It must be said that this topic is still a great reason for discussion, because most doctors, despite everything, consider refusal of food a great evil.

What are these beliefs based on? In most cases, it is a matter of simple reinsurance. But there are also those who give quite logical arguments against fasting:

• severe stress for the body, which is dangerous when it is weakened and acute pathologies are severe

• temporary result when losing weight,
• increased appetite after fasting, which causes weight gain (sometimes even more than the initial one),
• primary consumption of muscle mass, which can lead to dystrophy,
• the risk of nervous and mental breakdowns (especially during prolonged fasting; it is not without reason that almost all authors of therapeutic fasting methods insist on a positive psychological attitude of the patient, special preparation, and psychological assistance during fasting),
• some doctors claim that the so-called slags are formed primarily during fasting (they attribute the unattractive, foul-smelling discharge during fasting to the result of the breakdown of amino acids with the formation of sulfur and nitrogen), and the body is sufficiently cleansed during the process of life,
• There is an opinion among doctors that the formation of a large number of ketone bodies (products of incomplete oxidation of fats) during fasting) and the shift of the internal environment of the body towards acidification (acidosis) leads to intoxication of the body, as a result of which vital systems and organs suffer: the cardiovascular and respiratory systems, blood circulation, central nervous system,
• danger of death (some methods and advice, especially those that are not substantiated, may be downright life-threatening).

According to doctors, such risks associated with therapeutic fasting significantly reduce its value for health, which they see in resting the digestive system, accelerating recovery and the possibility of curing certain diseases.

And many questions related to therapeutic fasting, the views of doctors of traditional and alternative medicine differ significantly. For example, the effect of therapeutic fasting on the brain remains a controversial issue.

In medical circles, it is generally accepted that glucose is the main food for our brain. Thanks to it, the central nervous system receives enough energy for normal functioning. If glucose does not enter the body, the brain will suffer from a lack of energy, which is fraught with neuropsychiatric and neurological disorders.

Followers of alternative methods of healing the body, without rejecting the value of glucose, at the same time point to the fact that in the absence of its entry into the brain, the performance of the central nervous system does not actually decrease. Patients usually feel some weakness only in the first days of fasting, and then many even experience an increase in performance, the disclosure of creative potential, and improved sleep. Many patients claim that during the process of fasting they discovered previously unknown talents in themselves, found solutions to difficult questions, and began to more successfully perform mental work that was previously difficult.

It turns out that during starvation the brain receives alternative energy that exceeds the effect of glucose. Ketone bodies, synthesized in the liver in large quantities in the absence of food, can be considered such an alternative source of energy for the brain.

We get some inconsistency. On the one hand, an increase in the level of ketone bodies (the same acetone) leads to intoxication of the body, which should negatively affect the state of the nervous system. But on the other hand, an increase in mental and physical performance is noted as a result of the same process (ketone bodies in conditions of hunger are the only energy-valuable food for muscles and the brain, and this is a lot of food). Apparently, we still do not know much about our body, so the theory does not always agree with practice, and a theorem without proof in scientific circles cannot be accepted as truth without a "fight".

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Possible complications

When some disturbances occur in our body, called a disease, we begin to look for ways to solve this problem, i.e. treatment. Regardless of the methods of treating the disease (drug therapy, physiotherapy, surgery, alternative methods), we always think about possible complications and consequences of our choice (or the choice of a doctor).

Therapeutic fasting cannot be considered a universal medicine (medicines treat symptoms, and fasting seeks natural ways to treat the disease as a whole). This concept implies a health-improving method that helps the body cope with the disease on its own or correct the results of previous treatment. And this does not mean that you do not need to take into account the complications that may occur if you deviate from the requirements of the method, ignore contraindications or simply do not listen to your body.

The presence of diseases that have been cured by fasting on more than one occasion in the list of contraindications is not accidental. For example, in the case of malignant diseases, the statistics of miraculous healings do not significantly exceed the rate of unsuccessful outcomes. Some people, hoping for the miracle of fasting, lost precious time, missed the chance of surgical treatment at an early stage of cancer and thereby deprived themselves not only of longevity, but also of the years or months allotted to them by the disease.

It is difficult to say what causes failures. Sometimes there is a positive attitude, and faith in healing through fasting, and diligent fulfillment of the mentor's requirements, but the disease continues to progress. Apparently, one should not rely so blindly on the healing power of fasting, especially if the body is greatly weakened by the disease. The chance of successful healing is usually higher if fasting consolidates the result of previous surgical treatment at an early stage of the disease. If the disease is neglected, then here, indeed, one can only hope for a miracle.

As for complications during treatment of diseases that are not included in the list of contraindications, they are usually not dangerous to health (provided that the patient does not deviate from the method). Most complications are easy to eliminate, and many can be prevented in advance.

In the ketoacidosis stage, patients often suffer from nausea (some even vomit). These are quite normal phenomena for such a condition, but since they affect the psychological state of the fasting person, they can be combated by drinking alkaline mineral water or a weak soda solution in small sips. In case of vomiting, the stomach is washed with a soda solution and the intestines are cleaned (enema).

In most cases, walking in the fresh air and airing out the room help fight nausea.

If, as a result of repeated vomiting or dehydration, the patient's fingers begin to cramp, and then tonic convulsions appear, it is advisable to drink non-carbonated mineral or salt water. In case of generalized convulsions, a 1-2% saline solution is indicated internally (half a glass or a little more): once or repeatedly, depending on the condition.

Sometimes when getting out of bed, patients feel a sudden weakness due to a sharp drop in osmotic pressure. In this case, oxygen and rest in a horizontal position with the head raised help. But it is best to avoid a sharp change in body position.

The development of collapse can also be observed in patients who have not given up smoking. In this case, it is necessary to act actively: conduct oxygen inhalation, give the patient cardiac medications in a dosage that is half the standard dose. Further fasting is prohibited.

Patients with VSD of the hypertensive or hypotonic type and obesity may experience headaches and heart pain, severe weakness, especially in the morning. Drinking alkaline water, walking in the fresh air, breathing exercises, cleansing enemas with a soda solution, gastric lavage, etc. can help relieve such symptoms and even prevent their occurrence.

When treating gastrointestinal diseases in the period after an acidotic crisis and transition to endogenous nutrition, a deterioration in the condition, severe stomach pain during therapeutic fasting, intestinal colic (usually during an exacerbation of chronic appendicitis, so rest, cold on the stomach and observation are needed), which looks like a relapse of the existing disease. All these symptoms should be reported to the doctor, who will prescribe the appropriate treatment. In some people, such symptoms go away on their own, after which a noticeable improvement in the condition (recovery) is noted, but in any case, it is better for the patient to be under the supervision of a doctor during this period. Sometimes it is advisable to interrupt fasting in order to return to it later. Usually, a repeated course of fasting is easier and such symptoms do not appear.

Fasting for urolithiasis may be accompanied by the passage of coarse sand (renal colic) and blockage of the urinary tract. In this case, a consultation with a urologist and the introduction of antispasmodics are necessary, because urinary retention in the body is fraught not only with edema, but also with intoxication.

It is important to understand that therapeutic fasting is not an easy procedure, so not everyone is able to complete it. Many people break down in the first 3 days, without waiting for their appetite to weaken, others give up on their plans after fasting for 5 or more days (usually due to psychological pressure from others if the treatment is carried out outside the clinic). That is why therapeutic fasting is recommended to be done in sanatoriums, specialized clinics and centers where there is a positive atmosphere, contact with food, the opportunity to receive psychological help, and diversify your treatment (in addition to the fasting method, clinics offer various procedures that can be not only useful, but also pleasant). In sanatorium conditions, patients also have direct access to mineral water, which is indicated for certain malfunctions in the body when refusing food.

We have discussed possible complications during the fasting period, i.e. directly during fasting. But unpleasant symptoms can also be observed when exiting fasting, i.e. during the recovery period. This can happen both when fasting ends prematurely (the transition to normal nutrition should still be smooth), and at the end of a full fasting period.

Most often, patients experience heaviness in the gastrointestinal tract associated with the wrong selection of dishes, portion size, and frequency of meals. All this can be fixed. If discomfort in the abdomen occurs, it is worth rinsing the stomach and cleansing the intestines with an enema or laxative. It is sometimes advisable to spend a couple of fasting days (fast), and then return to restorative nutrition, limiting at least the amount of salt for the first time.

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Reviews and results

Today, there are many methods of therapeutic fasting (both patented and scientifically unrecognized), which have different results, which we can judge only based on the reviews of other people and information provided by the authors of the methods. Thus, there is information that the method of Rudolf Breuss helped 40-45 thousand patients to heal (information from a third person). Many practicing naturopaths claim that their systems have given positive results in tens of thousands of cases (this applies to both old, time-tested, and relatively new methods).

Reviews on the Internet about therapeutic fasting are usually divided into 3 camps: fasting helped some, which causes wild delight, it did not help others, so they do not recommend experiencing “this torture” on themselves, others have not tried fasting, do not have the slightest experience in this and write only to keep the conversation going. It is not worth dwelling on the last category, since for the most part these are lovers of discussing many different topics, which they most often do not understand.

As for people who say they successfully practice or have undergone 1 successful course of treatment with fasting, there are also options. Some really tried to be treated with fasting and had good results, others did not get what they expected, but do not want to admit it. But there are also those who were treated only in words, and wrote a positive review of the method in order to make money on it (this practice is very common on the Internet, but, people, think before you write lies or give unverified information when it comes to human health).

The same can be said about the second category, although here those who fasted at home, did not complete the full course of therapeutic fasting, ignored contraindications (or did not undergo a medical examination at all), tried questionable methods on themselves, or simply did not adhere to the requirements set forth by the author of the chosen health system usually predominate.

There are still reasonable debates around therapeutic fasting, known to mankind since ancient times, so I personally do not undertake to judge how beneficial it is for health. But I believe that a person who has consciously decided to try a specific method of healing on himself should approach this choice consciously and responsibly.

Can you rely only on reviews on the Internet? Isn't it more logical to find real people who were able to heal with the help of consciously giving up food, try to meet the authors of the methods, their followers, or at least get to a lecture by a scientist whose words can be trusted?

When it comes to a person's health, the final word is left to the patient, except in cases where the patient is unconscious. Since it is unlikely that anyone will think about fasting in an unconscious state, the decision is always made consciously, which means that the person himself is responsible for the result of using a particular method.

In any case, therapeutic fasting can only be started after a full examination of the body, which reduces the likelihood of unpleasant surprises during the procedure. Fasting, especially for a long period, can only be done under the supervision of a practicing physician (be it a traditional medicine doctor, a nutritionist or a naturopathic physician who has sufficient experience and real positive results of their work). And even in this case, obtaining a positive result after a course of fasting does not guarantee complete health throughout life. In case of chronic diseases and for preventive purposes, it is necessary to undergo not one, but several courses of varying duration and effect.

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